Management of revisions on revisions of orders

ABSTRACT

A method for managing a current revision on prior revision of an order is described. A modified set of compensations tasks for addressing amendments indicated in the current revision are determined. The modified set of compensation tasks may be determined by carrying over one or more compensation tasks, associated with the prior revision, that have not yet been completed. Alternatively or additionally, the modified set of compensation tasks may be determined by adding new compensation tasks based on the current revision.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE; DISCLAIMER

Each of the following applications are hereby incorporated by reference:application Ser. No. 14/877,603 filed on Oct. 7, 2015; application Ser.No. 13/315,692, filed Dec. 9, 2011. The Applicant hereby rescinds anydisclaimer of claim scope in the parent application(s) or theprosecution history thereof and advises the USPTO that the claims inthis application may be broader than any claim in the parentapplication(s).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to order and service management systems.In particular, the present disclosure relates to managing amendments onamendments in order and service management systems.

BACKGROUND

Order and service management (OSM) systems are configured to coordinatetasks for completing a customer order. These tasks may involve variousfulfillment systems, including, but are not limited to, provisioning,shipping, inventory, and billing.

In an example, a telecommunications provider may receive orders fortelecommunications services, such as telephone services, Internetservices, and cable television (TV) services. Each service may havedifferent configurations. A telephone service may or may not includelong distance calling, voicemail, or other features. An Internet servicemay be configured at various speeds. A cable TV service may or may notinclude certain TV channels.

The telecommunications provider may use an OSM system to coordinatetasks for completing orders for various services. Tasks for telephoneservices may include provisioning a telephone line and a telephonenumber, and billing the customer. Tasks for Internet services mayinclude provisioning Internet services at a particular speed, shipping arouter to a customer, and billing the customer.

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could bepursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previouslyconceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it shouldnot be assumed that any of the approaches described in this sectionqualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in thissection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way oflimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings. It should benoted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure arenot necessarily to the same embodiment, and they mean at least one. Inthe drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example set of operations for managing a currentrevision on a prior revision of an order, in accordance with one or moreembodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example set of operations for carrying overcompensation tasks, for a prior revision, into a modified set ofcompensation tasks, for a current revision;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example set of operations for adding compensationtasks into a modified set of compensation tasks, for a current revision;and

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram that illustrates a computer system inaccordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding. One or more embodiments may be practiced without thesespecific details. Features described in one embodiment may be combinedwith features described in a different embodiment. In some examples,well-known structures and devices are described with reference to ablock diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presentinvention.

-   -   1. GENERAL OVERVIEW    -   2. ARCHITECTURAL OVERVIEW    -   3. IDENTIFY AND EXECUTE A MODIFIED SET OF COMPENSATION TASKS        BASED ON A CURRENT REVISION        -   3.1 CARRY OVER COMPENSATION TASKS ASSOCIATED WITH A PRIOR            REVISION INTO THE MODIFIED SET OF COMPENSATION TASKS        -   3.2 ADD COMPENSATIONS TASKS TO THE MODIFIED SET OF            COMPENSATION TASKS    -   4. MISCELLANEOUS; EXTENSIONS    -   5. HARDWARE OVERVIEW

1. General Overview

In one or more embodiments, multiple revisions to an order are receivedin succession. While at least a subset of the compensation tasks for aprior revision are not completed or are in-progress, a current revisionof the order is received. A modified set of compensation tasks for thecurrent revision is identified based on (a) the subset of compensationtasks for the prior revision that are not completed and/or in-progress,and/or (b) new compensation tasks that are added based on the currentrevision. The modified set of compensation tasks for the currentrevision is executed, rather than the subset of compensation tasks forthe prior revision.

In one or more embodiments, a modified set of compensation tasks for acurrent revision is determined by carrying over compensation tasks for aprior revision. In an example, a current revision is received before acompensation task for a prior revision is completed. The compensationtask, for the prior revision, if executed would configure a particularorder attribute. The current revision indicates a target value for theparticular order attribute. If the target value matches a current valuealready configured for the particular order attribute, then thecompensation task that configures the particular order attribute is notcarried over into the modified set of compensation tasks. If the targetvalue does not match the current value for the particular orderattribute, then the compensation task that configures the particularorder attribute is carried over.

In one or more embodiments, a modified set of compensation tasks for acurrent revision is determined by adding new compensation tasks. A firstset of tasks and/or compensation tasks that have already been completedfor the order is identified. A second set of candidate tasks to becompleted for the current revision is identified. A per-task comparisonbetween the first set and the second set is performed. Based on whethera particular task is included in the first set and/or the second set,and the values of order attributes associated with the particular task,the particular task is added as a new compensation task. The newcompensation task is executed using values of order attributes indicatedby the current revision.

2. Architectural Overview

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 in accordance with one or moreembodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 1, system 100 includes a revisionmanagement engine 102 and a data repository 104. In one or moreembodiments, system 100 may include more or less components, than thecomponents illustrated in FIG. 1. The components illustrated in FIG. 1may be local to or remote from each other. The components illustrated inFIG. 1 may be implemented in software and/or hardware and may bedistributed over one or more applications and/or machines. Operationsdescribed with respect to one component may instead be performed byanother component.

In one or more embodiments, data repository 104 is any type of storageunit and/or device (e.g., a file system, database, collection of tables,or any other storage mechanism) for storing data. Further, datarepository 104 may include multiple different storage units and/ordevices. The multiple different storage units and/or devices may or maynot be of the same type or located at the same physical site. Further,data repository 104 may be or may execute on the same computing systemas revision management engine 102. Alternatively or additionally, datarepository 104 may be on a separate computing system than revisionmanagement engine 102. Data repository 104 may be connected to revisionmanagement engine 102 via a direct connection or via a network. One ormore orders 112, revisions 116, and tasks 122 may be implemented acrossany of components within system 100, however, are illustrated withindata repository 104 for purposes of clarity and explanation.

In one or more embodiments, orders 112 correspond to requests for goodsand/or services. Orders 112 may be received from a customer managementrelationship (CRM) system or any other system. Each order is associatedwith a unique order identifier. Further, each order is associated withone or more order attributes 114 for specifying the goods and/orservices requested. A value for each order attribute, in a set of orderattributes, may or may not be indicated by a particular order. In anexample, an order for telecommunications services includes orderattributes for specifying the type of telecommunications servicesrequested and configurations for the telecommunications services. Aparticular order indicates that telephone services are requested, andthat a voicemail feature is to be included in the telephone services.The omission of Internet services in the particular order indicates thatInternet services are not requested.

In an embodiment, an order may be associated with various statesindicating a status of completion. An order may be in an initial state,in-progress state, or a completed state, based on the states of thetasks 122 to be performed for completing the order. An order in aninitial state means that none of the tasks 122 for the order have begun.An order in an in-progress state means that at least one of the tasks122 for the order have begun and at least one of the tasks 122 for theorder have not yet completed. An order in an in-progress state isreferred to herein as an “in-flight order.” An order in a completedstate means that all tasks 122 for the order have been completed.

In an embodiment, an in-flight order may be associated with an amendingstate or a normal state. If no revisions are received, tasks forcompleting an order execute normally, and the order is in a normalstate. If a revision is received, changes to one or more orderattributes related to tasks that have already been completed may benecessary. If changes are necessary, then the order is transitioned toan amending state. After the changes are made, the order resumes anormal state.

In one or more embodiments, revisions 116 are new versions of orders 112that are received while orders 112 are in the process of beingfulfilled. In other words, revisions 116 include amendments to in-flightorders. The original order is referred to herein as a “base order.”Revisions 116 may be received from a CRM system or any other system. Arevision includes the order identifier of the particular order that isbeing amended. A revision may specify values for order attributes 114for which values were not previously specified in an earlier version ofthe order (indicating that the order attributes are being newly added bythe revision). A revision may omit specification of values for orderattributes for which values were previously specified in an earlierversion of the order (indicating that the order attributes are beingremoved by the revision). A revision may specify values for orderattributes 114 that are the same as or different from the values thatwere previously specified in an earlier version of the order. In oneembodiment, a revision includes a complete set of order attributes 114specifying the goods and/or services requested by a customer.

In an embodiment, multiple revisions 116 corresponding to a particularin-flight order, such as prior revision 118 and current revision 120,may be received in succession. Prior revision 118 is a revision forwhich prior compensation tasks 124 have been determined (for makingamendments indicated by prior revision 118) but at least one of priorcompensation tasks 124 is not yet completed. A revision that isassociated with at least one compensation task that has been determinedand at least one compensation task that has not yet completed isreferred to herein as being “in-progress.” Current revision 120 is themost recent revision of an order, and is received while prior revision118 for the order is in-progress. Current revision 120 may be referredto herein as a “revision on a revision” when current revision 120 isreceived while prior revision 118 is in-progress. In an example,revision R1 for a particular order is received. While revision R1 isin-progress, another revision R2 for the particular order is received.At this time, R1 is a prior revision and R2 is a current revision.Subsequently, while revision R2 is in-progress, another revision R3 forthe particular order is received. At this time, R2 is a prior revisionand R3 is a current revision.

In one or more embodiments, tasks 122 are individual steps that areperformed to fulfill an order. Tasks 122 may be performed by humanaction or by a system. For example, a task performed by human action isinstallation of a wall jack for a telephone line at a customer'slocation. As another example, a task performed by a system isverification of a data connection on a telephone line. In an example,tasks may be performed by plug-in applications to a system that managesorders 112, such as an OSM system.

In an embodiment, each task is associated with one or more orderattributes 114 that are used during execution of the task. Which orderattributes 114 are associated with tasks 122 may be specified during aset-up phase of a system that manages orders 112. Values configured fororder attributes 114 associated with a particular task may be used todetermine parameters of the particular task. In an example, an order fortelecommunications services includes an order attribute for specifyingthe requested capacity of Internet services. A first task is to verifythat Internet services at the requested capacity are available. A secondtask is to provision Internet services at the requested capacity. Athird task is to bill the customer for Internet services at therequested capacity. Execution of these tasks use the value configuredfor the requested capacity. If an order indicates that the value for thecapacity is 20 Mbps, then the first task is to verify that Internetservices at 20 Mbps is available. The second task is to provisionInternet services at 20 Mbps. The third task is to bill the customer forInternet services at 20 Mbps.

In an embodiment, dependencies may exist between tasks 122. A first taskdepends on a second task if the result of the second task is necessaryfor execution of the first task. In an example, a manufacturing companyreceives an order for the manufacturing of 10,000 smartphones. A firsttask is to purchase the screen. A second task is to purchase theprocessor. A third task is to assemble the screen, the processor, andthe other components of a smartphone. A fourth task is to bill thecustomer. The first task and the second task do not depend on eachother. The purchasing of the screen and the purchasing of the processorare independent events. The third task depends on the first task and thesecond task. In order to assemble the screen and the processor, thescreen and the processor must have been purchased first. The fourth taskdepends on the third task. In order to bill the customer, thesmartphones must have been assembled first. In another example, an orderfor Internet services at 20 Mbps is received. A first task is to verifythat Internet services at 20 Mbps is available at the customer'slocation. A second task is to provision Internet services at 20 Mbps. Ifthe first task indicates that the verification has failed, the secondtask cannot be performed. Thus, the second task depends on the firsttask.

In an embodiment, tasks 122 may be associated with various states, suchas initial state, in-progress state, and completed state. A task in aninitial state means that performance of the task has not yet begun. Atask in an in-progress state means that performance of the task hasbegun but has not yet been completed. A task in a completed state meansthat performance of the task has been completed. The state of a taskthat is performed by human action may be tracked by a human user andentered into a system by the human user. The state of a task that isperformed by a system is tracked by the system itself.

In an embodiment, tasks 122 include prior compensation tasks 124, whichare tasks that make amendments to an in-flight order, according to theorder attributes 114 indicated by prior revision 118. Prior compensationtasks 124 make amendments to order attributes related to tasks that havealready been completed based on an earlier version of the order. Priorcompensation tasks 124 make amendments so that the tasks are completedusing values for order attributes indicated by prior revision 118. Anin-flight order is associated with a set of tasks in which at least onetask has started and at least one task has not completed. To makeamendments for completed tasks, some tasks may need to be done, redone,or undone. The tasks that need to be done, redone, or undone arereferred to herein as “compensation tasks.” A compensation task may beset to various execution modes, indicating whether the compensation taskneeds to be done, redone, or undone.

In an embodiment, a compensation task in a REDO execution mode is a taskthat needs to be redone. A task may have been executed previously toconfigure a first value for a particular order attribute. Based on arevision, the task now needs to be executed again to configure a secondvalue for the particular order attribute. REDO performs UNDO and DO in asingle operation. In an example, an order includes an order attributefor specifying a requested capacity for Internet services. The orderindicates that a value for the capacity is 20 Mbps. A first task T1 isto provision Internet services at 20 Mbps. A second task T2 is to billthe customer. After task T1 is completed and before task T2 has begun, arevision upgrading the Internet services is received. The revisionchanges the value for the capacity to 30 Mbps. Then, task T1 isidentified as a compensation task and set to a REDO execution mode. TaskT1 needs to be redone at 30 Mbps, rather than 20 Mbps.

In an embodiment, a compensation task in an UNDO execution mode is atask that needs to be undone. A task may have been executed previouslyto configure a value for a particular order attribute. Based on arevision, the task now needs to be undone to remove the value for theparticular order attribute. Tasks are undone in the reverse order inwhich the tasks were executed. In an example, an order for Internetservices is received. A first task T1 is to assign a port for theInternet services. A second task T2 is to activate a line for theInternet services. A third task T3 is to bill the customer. After tasksT1 and T2 are completed and before task T3 has begun, a revision isreceived. The revision cancels the order for Internet services. Then,tasks T1 and T2 are identified as compensation tasks, and each is set toan UNDO execution mode. The compensation tasks are executed in reverseorder. Thus, task T2 is undone, then task T1 is undone.

In an embodiment, a compensation task in a DO or AMEND DO execution modeis a task that needs to be added. No task may have been executedpreviously to configure a particular order attribute. Based on arevision, a new task now needs to be added to configure a value for theparticular order attribute. DO indicates that the compensation task isperformed after the order exits an amending state and resumes a normalstate. AMEND DO indicates that the compensation task is performed whilethe order is in an amending state. Which execution mode is selected fora particular compensation task that is being added is based on whetherany other compensation tasks depend on the particular compensation task.If none, then all other compensation tasks may be executed before theparticular compensation task. This means that, when all othercompensation tasks are executed, the order may transition from theamending state to the normal state. In the normal state, the particularcompensation task may be executed. Thus, a DO execution mode is selectedfor the particular compensation task. On the other hand, if one or moreother compensation tasks depend on the particular compensation task,then the particular compensation task needs to be executed beforeanother compensation task. When the particular compensation task isexecuted, the order is still in an amending state. Thus, an AMEND DOexecution mode is selected for the particular compensation task.

In an example, an order indicates that telephone services are to beprovided to a customer. A first task T1 is to provision the telephoneservices. A second task T2 is to bill the customer. After task T1 iscompleted, a revision is received. The revision adds two orderattributes: (1) a voicemail feature to the telephone services, and (2)Internet services at 20 Mbps. Based on the amendments indicated by therevision, the order is set to an amending state. Task T1 is identifiedas a compensation task. Task T1 needs to be redone, now with thevoicemail feature. In addition, two new tasks T3 and T4 are identified.Task T3 is to verify that the voicemail feature is available at thecustomer's location. However, compensation task T1 depends on task T3;if the voicemail feature is not available, then provisioning oftelephone services with the voicemail feature is not possible. Thus, anAMEND DO execution mode is selected for task T3. Meanwhile, task T4 isto provision Internet services at 20 Mbps. No other compensation tasksdepend on task T4. Thus, a DO execution mode is selected for task T4.

In one or more embodiments, revision management engine 102 refers tohardware and/or software configured to perform operations describedherein for managing a current revision 120 on a prior revision 118 of anorder. If current revision 120 is received while prior revision 118 isin-progress, revision management engine 102 determines a set of modifiedcompensation tasks 130 to be performed to make amendments indicated bycurrent revision 120. Revision management engine 102 then executesmodified compensation tasks 130, rather than prior compensation tasks124. Examples of operations for managing a current revision 120 on aprior revision 118 of an order are described below with reference toFIG. 2.

In an embodiment, revision management engine 102 is implemented on oneor more digital devices. The term “digital device” generally refers toany hardware device that includes a processor. A digital device mayrefer to a physical device executing an application or a virtualmachine. Examples of digital devices include a computer, a tablet, alaptop, a desktop, a netbook, a server, a web server, a network policyserver, a mainframe, a television, a content receiver, a set-top box, aprinter, a mobile handset, a smartphone, and a personal digitalassistant (“PDA”).

In one or more embodiments, revision management engine 102 may beimplemented as part of a system that manages orders 112, such as an OSMsystem. Further, revision management engine 102 implements carry-overmanager 126 and new tasks manager 128. Carryover manager 126 refers tohardware and/or software configured to perform operations describedherein for carrying over compensation tasks associated with priorrevision 118 into modified compensation tasks 130 based on currentrevision 120. Examples of operations for carrying over compensationtasks are described below with reference to FIG. 3. New tasks manager128 refers to hardware and/or software configured to perform operationsdescribed herein for adding compensation tasks into modifiedcompensation tasks 130 based on current revision 120. Examples ofoperations for adding compensation tasks are described below withreference to FIG. 4.

3. Identify and Execute a Modified Set of Compensation Tasks Based on aCurrent Revision

FIG. 2 illustrates an example set of operations for managing a currentrevision on a prior revision of an order, in accordance with one or moreembodiments. One or more operations illustrated in FIG. 2 may bemodified, rearranged, or omitted all together. Accordingly, theparticular sequence of operations illustrated in FIG. 2 should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of one or more embodiments.

Initially, compensation tasks associated with a prior revision of anorder are identified. The prior revision includes amendments to a set oforder attributes of an order (Operation 202). The prior revision mayhave been received from a CRM system or any other system. The order thatis to be amended was identified based on an order identifier indicatedby the prior revision. The prior revision was received while the orderwas in-progress. Some example operations for determining compensationtasks associated with the prior revision are described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/315,692, filed Dec. 9, 2011, titled, “ORDERMANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH ORDER CHANGE MANAGEMENT,” which is herebyincorporated by reference. For the purposes of clarity and explanation,some example embodiments are described below.

In an embodiment, a first set of tasks (for the base order) that havebeen completed is identified. A second set of candidate tasks (for theprior revision) is also identified. The second set of candidate tasks isthe set of tasks that would be identified for the prior revision if theprior revision were a new base order. The second set of candidate tasksis identified based on a mapping between order attributes indicated bythe prior revision and available tasks.

In an embodiment, a per-task comparison between the first set and thesecond set is performed. If a particular task is not included in thefirst set but is included in the second set, then the particular task isincluded as a particular compensation task for the prior revision. Theparticular compensation task is set to a DO or AMEND DO execution mode.If no other compensation tasks (identified for the prior revision)depend on the particular compensation task, then a DO execution mode isselected. If one or more other compensation tasks (identified for theprior revision) depend on the particular compensation task, then anAMEND DO execution mode is selected.

If a particular task is included in the first set but is not included inthe second set, then the particular task is included as a particularcompensation task for the prior revision. The particular compensationtask is set to an UNDO execution mode.

If a particular task is included in both the first set and the secondset, and the values of order attributes associated with the particulartask in the first set are different from the values of order attributesassociated with the particular task in the second set, then theparticular task is included as a particular compensation task for theprior revision. The particular compensation task is set to a REDOexecution mode.

If a particular task is included in both the first set and the secondset, and the values of order attributes associated with the particulartask in the first set are same as the values of order attributesassociated with the particular task in the second set, then theparticular task is not included as a compensation task for the priorrevision.

In an example, an order for manufacturing a laptop includes a firstorder attribute A1 and a second order attribute A2. Order attribute A1is a Bluetooth® standard to be served by the laptop (Bluetooth® is atrademark of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group). Order attribute A2is whether to include a disc player. Order attributes A1 and A2 aremapped to tasks. A first task T1, for the order, is to procure akeyboard. A second task T2 is to procure a Bluetooth component for thedesired Bluetooth standard. A third task T3 is to procure a disc player.A fourth task T4 is to assemble all requested components. A fifth taskT5 is to bill the customer for the laptop with the requested components.

A particular order indicates the following values for the orderattributes. For order attribute A1, Bluetooth 2.0 is to be served. Fororder attribute A2, a disc player is to be included.

Execution of task T2 uses the order attribute A1. Based on the valuespecified by the order, task T2 is defined as procuring a Bluetoothcomponent for Bluetooth 2.0. Execution of task T3 uses the orderattribute A2. Based on the value specified by the order, task T3 isdefined as procuring a disc player. Execution of task T4 uses orderattributes A1 and A2. Based on the values specified by the order, taskT4 is to assemble the keyboard, the Bluetooth component for Bluetooth2.0, and the disc player. Execution of task T5 uses order attributes A1and A2. Based on the values specified by the order, task T5 is to billthe customer for a laptop with a keyboard, a Bluetooth component forBluetooth 2.0, and a disc player. A summary of the tasks, for fulfillingthe order, is represented in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Order Values Indicated State Task Attributes Used by the Task byOrder Normal T1 [None] Normal T2 A1: Bluetooth Standard Bluetooth 2.0Normal T3 A2: Whether to include a disc player Yes Normal T4 A1:Bluetooth Standard Bluetooth 2.0 A2: Whether to include a disc playerYes Normal T5 A1: Bluetooth Standard Bluetooth 2.0 A2: Whether toinclude a disc player Yes

After task T4 is completed but before task T5 has begun, a revision isreceived. In this example, the revision includes a complete set of orderattributes for the order. The revision indicates the following valuesfor the order attributes. For order attribute A1, Bluetooth 4.0 is to beserved. For order attribute A2, no value is indicated. The omission of avalue for order attribute A2 means that no disc player is to beincluded.

A candidate set of tasks for the revision is identified, as if therevision were a new base order. Based on the values of order attributesA1 and A2, specified by the revision, task T2 is to procure a Bluetoothcomponent for Bluetooth 4.0, task T3 is not necessary, task T4 is toassemble the keyboard and the Bluetooth component for Bluetooth 4.0, andtask T5 is to bill the customer for a laptop with a keyboard and aBluetooth component for Bluetooth 4.0. A summary of the tasks, forfulfilling the revision as if it were a new base order, is representedin Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Order Values Indicated by State Task Attributes Used by the TaskRevision Normal T1 [None] Normal T2 A1: Bluetooth Standard Bluetooth 4.0Normal T4 A1: Bluetooth Standard Bluetooth 4.0 Normal T5 A1: BluetoothStandard Bluetooth 4.0

A per-task comparison between (a) the tasks for fulfilling the orderthat have been completed (referred to as the “first set,” in thisexample) and (b) the tasks for fulling the revision as if it were a newbase order (referred to as the “second set,” in this example) isperformed. T1 is included in both the first set and the second set.There are no differences in the values of order attributes used by T1.Thus, T1 is not included as a compensation task for the revision. T2 isincluded in both the first set and the second set. The value of orderattribute A1 used by T2 in the first set (Bluetooth 2.0) and the valueof order attribute A1 used by T2 in the second set (Bluetooth 4.0) aredifferent. Thus, T2 is included as a compensation task for the revision,and set to a REDO execution mode. T3 is included in the first set butnot in the second set. Thus, task T3 is included as a compensation taskfor the revision, and set to an UNDO execution mode. Task T4 is includedin both the first set and the second set. The order attributes used byT4 in the first set (A1 and A2) and the order attributes used by T4 inthe second set (A1) are different. Thus, task T4 is included as acompensation task for the revision, and set to a REDO execution mode.Finally, task T5 is not included in the comparison, since task T5 hasnot yet been completed for the order.

A summary of the compensation tasks, for the revision, is represented inTable 3 below.

TABLE 3 Values Order Indicated by State Task Mode Attributes Used by theTask Revision Amending T2 REDO A1: Bluetooth Standard Bluetooth 4.0Amending T3 UNDO A2: Whether to include a [None] disc player Amending T4REDO A1: Bluetooth Standard Bluetooth 4.0 A2: Whether to include a[None] disc player

In one or more embodiments, after the compensation tasks, for the priorrevision, are identified, and prior to completing at least a subset ofthe compensation tasks, a current revision of the set of orderattributes is received (Operation 204). The current revision may bereceived from a CRM system or any other system. The order that is to beamended is identified based on an order identifier indicated by thecurrent revision. The current revision may be received while the priorrevision is in-progress, that is, at least one compensation task for theprior revision has been determined and at least one compensation taskfor the prior revision has not completed. Whether the prior revision isin-progress may be determined based on the states of the order and/orthe compensation tasks. In an embodiment, when a current revision of anorder is received, the order is in an amending state. In the amendingstate, at least one compensation task for the prior revision has beendetermined and is in an initial state. This indicates that the currentrevision is a revision on an in-progress revision. In anotherembodiment, when the current revision is received, at least onecompensation task for the prior revision is in an in-progress state.This indicates that the current revision is a revision on an in-progressrevision.

In one or more embodiments, task-interrupted notifications are sent forin-progress tasks and/or compensation tasks, if any (Operation 206). Fora task that is performed by human action, the task-interruptednotification may be sent to a human user who is responsible forperforming the task. The task-interrupted notification may be displayedon a screen, when the human user logs onto the system. For a task thatis performed by a system, the task-interrupted notification may be sentto the system.

In an embodiment, a task-interrupted notification for an in-progresstask may trigger the human user or the system to accelerate processingof the task in order to reach a completed state more quickly, or to rollback the task to an initial state if that is simpler than reaching acompleted state. In an example, a task may be to install servers at acustomer's site. A technician needs to go out to the customer's site toperform this manual task. A technician receives the task from thesystem. The technician then updates the task to an in-progress state inthe system. The technician calls the customer to set up an appointmentto visit the customer's site on the next day. Meanwhile, before thevisit to the customer's site is made, a revision is received. Atask-interrupted notification is sent for this task. Since it is simplerto roll back the task to an initial state, rather than to visit thecustomer's site, the technician transitions the task back to the initialstate in the system. In another example, a task may be to make certainsettings on a port at a customer's site. A technician receives the taskand updates the task to an in-progress state in the system. After thetechnician has visited the customer's site and made the desiredsettings, but before the technician updates the task to a completedstate in the system, a revision is received. A task-interruptednotification is sent for this task. Based on the task-interruptednotification, the technician may then prioritize updating the task to acompleted state in the system.

In an embodiment, a task and/or compensation task may or may not besubscribed to a task-interrupted notification. Whether a task and/orcompensation task is subscribed to a task-interrupted notification maybe determined during a set-up phase of the system. The task-interruptednotification may be sent for only the in-progress tasks and/orcompensation tasks that are subscribed.

In one or more embodiments, the system waits for a particular period oftime, for in-progress tasks and/or compensation tasks to reach acompleted state or an initial state (Operation 208). The particularperiod of time may be referred to herein as a “grace period.” During thegrace period, no new compensation tasks are started. The grace periodends (a) when all in-progress tasks and/or compensation tasks reach acompleted state or an initial state, or (b) at the end of a maximum timeperiod. The maximum time period may be fixed or dynamically set. In anexample, the maximum time period may be determined based on thecomplexity of the in-progress tasks. A first in-progress task is toverify whether Internet services at 20 Mbps is available at a customer'slocation. A second in-progress task is to ship a router to thecustomer's location. The estimated shipment time is five days. Thesecond task is more complex than the first task, since more actions anda lengthier time are required for completing the second task. Thus, themaximum time period for the grace period is determined based on thecomplexity of the second task. At the end of the grace period, the ordertransitions from a normal state to an amending state.

In one or more embodiments, task-canceled notifications are sent forin-progress tasks and/or compensation tasks, if any (Operation 210). Atask-canceled notification is sent for a task and/or compensation taskthat remains in the in-progress state at the expiration of the maximumtime period for the grace period. A task-canceled notification may serveas an error message indicating that the status of completion for thetask remains unknown. The task may remain in an in-progress state, ormay be transitioned back to an initial state, in the system. However,the task may not be transitioned to a completed state. In an example,while a first compensation task is in-progress, a revision is receivedby the system. A grace period is initiated, during which no newcompensation tasks are begun. The system waits for the firstcompensation task to reach a completed state or an initial state, upuntil a maximum time period. As the maximum time period passes, thefirst compensation task is still in an in-progress state. Then, atask-canceled notification for the first compensation task is sent. Thesystem may transition the first compensation task back to an initialstate, as if the first compensation task had not been started.

In an embodiment, a task and/or compensation task may or may not besubscribed to a task-canceled notification. Whether a task and/orcompensation task is subscribed to a task-canceled notification may bedetermined during a set-up phase of the system. The task-cancelednotification may be sent for only the in-progress tasks and/orcompensation tasks that are subscribed.

In one or more embodiments, a modified set of compensations tasks isdetermined based on the current revision. The modified set ofcompensation tasks may be determined by carrying over one or morecompensation tasks, associated with the prior revision, that have notyet been completed (Operation 212). Examples of operations for carryingover compensation tasks are described below with reference to FIG. 3.Alternatively or additionally, the modified set of compensation tasksmay be determined by adding new compensation tasks (Operation 214).Examples of operations for adding compensation tasks are described belowwith reference to FIG. 4.

In one or more embodiments, the modified set of compensation tasks isexecuted, using the values for the set of order attributes indicated bythe latest version of the order (Operation 216). The latest version ofthe order is the current revision received at Operation 204.

In an example, an order for telecommunication services includes twoorder attributes:

Order attribute A1: Whether to provide Internet services

Order attribute A2: Capacity of Internet services

Tasks for the order include:

Task T1: Verify that Internet services at the requested capacity isavailable

Task T2: Assign a port for the customer

Task T3: Activate Internet services

Task T4: Bill the customer

An order O is received. O indicates the following values for the orderattributes:

Order attribute A1: Yes, provide Internet services

Order attribute A2: Requested capacity is 20 Mbps

After tasks T1, T2, and T3 are completed, and before task T4 has begun,a first revision R1 is received. Revision R1 indicates that therequested capacity is 30 Mbps (rather than 20 Mbps), and values for theremaining order attributes remain the same. Tasks T1, T2, and T3 areidentified as compensation tasks for revision R1.

Compensation task T1 is executed, in a REDO execution mode, using thevalue for the requested capacity indicated by the revision R1, which is30 Mbps. After compensation task T1 is completed, and beforecompensation task T2 is begun, a second revision R2 is received.Revision R2 indicates that the requested capacity is 40 Mbps (ratherthan 30 Mbps), and values for the remaining order attributes remain thesame. Task T1 is identified as a compensation task for revision R2.

Compensation task T1 is executed, in a REDO execution mode, using thevalue for the requested capacity indicated by the revision R2, which is40 Mbps.

3.1 Carry Over Compensation Tasks Associated with a Prior Revision intothe Modified Set of Compensation Tasks

FIG. 3 illustrates an example set of operations for carrying overcompensation tasks, for a prior revision, into a modified set ofcompensation tasks, for a current revision. As described above, thecurrent revision has been received while the prior revision wasin-progress. That means, at least one compensation task for the priorrevision has begun, and at least one compensation task for the priorrevision has not been completed. One or more operations illustrated inFIG. 3 may be modified, rearranged, or omitted all together.Accordingly, the particular sequence of operations illustrated in FIG. 3should not be construed as limiting the scope of one or moreembodiments.

Initially, compensation tasks associated with the prior revision thatare not yet completed are identified (Operation 302). Whether acompensation task has been completed may be determined based on thestate of the compensation task. In an example, the compensation tasksthat are in an initial state or an in-progress state, at the expirationof the grace period, are identified.

In one or more embodiments, compensation tasks associated with the priorrevision that are set to an UNDO, AMEND DO, or DO execution modes areexcluded (Operation 304). In an example, only compensation tasks set toa REDO execution mode may be carried over. While compensation tasks setto an UNDO, AMENDO DO, or DO execution mode are excluded, thesecompensation tasks may or may not be added into the modified set ofcompensation tasks, based on the current revision, as illustrated atOperation 214 of FIG. 2. Further examples of operations for addingcompensation tasks are described below with reference to FIG. 4.

In one or more embodiments, particular order attributes used by eachcompensation task are identified (Operation 306). Order attributes usedby a compensation task include order attributes that are associated withthe compensation task, as specified during a set-up phase of the system.Order attributes used by a compensation task may be identified based onthe information necessary to complete the task. In an example, acompensation task may be to ship a router to a customer's location.Order attributes used by this compensation task may include the modelnumber of the router, and the address of the customer's location. Theseorder attributes provide information necessary for the task of shippinga router to the customer's location. In another example, a compensationtask may be to assemble components of a laptop that is beingmanufactured. Order attributes used by this compensation task mayinclude which components to be included in the laptop, such as a screen,a network card, and a memory. Order attributes used by this compensationtask may also include the configurations of these components, such aswhether the screen is a touchscreen, the communications protocol to besupported by the network card, and the size of the memory.

In one or more embodiments, values to be configured for the particularorder attributes used by each compensation task, as indicated by thelatest version of the order, are identified (Operation 308). In anembodiment, the values are identified from a current revision of theorder. In an example, an order O may indicate that a Gold-level cable TVservice is to be provided to a customer. A first revision R1 mayindicate that a Silver-level cable TV service is to be provided to thecustomer. Then, the level of cable TV service to be used by acompensation task would be Silver-level, as indicated by revision R1.

In one or more embodiments, an inquiry regarding the particular orderattributes used by each compensation task is made. The inquirydetermines whether there is a match between (a) values to be configuredfor the particular order attributes, as indicated by the latest versionof the order, and (b) current values for the particular orderattributes, as configured by tasks that are now in a completed state(Operation 310). A current value for an order attribute may bedetermined by determining the value of the order attribute at the timethe task was last completed. A match between the two values may be foundif the values are the same, within a predefined range, or satisfy othercommon criteria. In an example, an order O indicates that Internetservices are to be provided to an executive office, and that thecapacity of the Internet services is 20 Mbps. A first task T1, forfulfilling order O, is to verify whether Internet service at the desiredcapacity is available. A second task T2 is to provision the Internetservices to the selected offices. After task T1 is completed and beforetask T2 has begun, a first revision R1 is received. Revision R1indicates that the Internet services are to be provided to the executiveoffice and the conference room. The capacity remains at 20 Mbps. Thevalue for the capacity indicated by revision R1 (20 Mbps) is compared tothe current value for the capacity (20 Mbps). Since the capacity is thesame for order O and revision R1, a match is found.

In one or more embodiments, if a match is not found between (a) thevalue for an order attribute indicated by the latest version of theorder and (b) the current value for the order attribute, then aparticular compensation task that uses the order attribute is includedinto the modified set of compensation tasks (Operation 312). Thecompensation task, originally associated with the prior revision, iscarried over into a modified set of compensation tasks, now associatedwith the current revision. In an example, an order O indicates thatInternet services at 20 Mbps are to be provided and that telephoneservices are to be provided. A first task T1, for completing order O, isto verify whether Internet service at the desired capacity is available.A second task T2 is to provision the Internet services. A third task T3is to provision the telephone services. A fourth task T4 is to bill thecustomer. After tasks T1 and T2 are completed and before task T3 hasbegun, a first revision R1 is received. Revision R1 indicates thatInternet services at 30 Mbps are to be provided. The value for thecapacity indicated by revision R1 (30 Mbps) is compared to the currentvalue for the capacity (20 Mbps). A match is not found. Since executionof tasks T1 and T2 use the order attribute for specifying the capacity,tasks T1 and T2 are identified as compensation tasks, for revision R1.Tasks T1 and T2 are set to a REDO execution mode. After task T1 iscompleted in the REDO execution mode, and before task T2 has begun, asecond revision R2 is received. Revision R2 indicates that acancellation of the telephone services. Task T2 is a compensation taskfor revision R1 that has not yet been completed. The order attribute forspecifying a capacity for the Internet services is used by task T2. Thelatest version of the order that indicates a value to be configured forthe capacity is revision R1. The value for the capacity indicated byrevision R1 (30 Mbps) is compared to the current value for the capacity(20 Mbps). A match is not found. Accordingly, task T2 is included intothe modified set of compensation tasks for revision R2. In other words,task T2 is carried over from the compensation tasks, for revision R1,into the modified set of compensation tasks, for revision R2.

In one or more embodiments, the compensation task that has been includedinto the modified set of compensation task is set to a REDO executionmode (Operation 314). A compensation task that has been carried over atOperation 312 is a compensation task that uses an order attribute thatis already configured to a current value. However, a different value forthis order attribute is indicated by the current revision. Thus, thecompensation task, which has been carried over, needs to be set to aREDO execution mode. In the REDO execution mode, the task may beexecuted again, using the value for this order attribute as indicated bythe current revision.

In one or more embodiments, if a match is found between (a) the value,indicated by the latest version of the order, for each order attributeand (b) the current value for each order attribute, then the particularcompensation task, that uses the order attributes, is not included intothe modified set of compensation tasks (Operation 316). Since thecurrent value already configured for the order attribute matches thevalue indicated by the current revision, no compensation task is neededto modify a value for this order attribute. No compensation task isneeded, regardless of whether a value for this order attribute, asindicated by the prior revision, matches the current value for thisorder attribute. In an example, an order O for the manufacturing ofsmartphones indicates that a memory of 2 GB is to be included in thesmartphones. A task T, for the order O, is to procure memories. Order Oindicates that the memories to be procured are 2 GB each. After task Tis completed, a first revision R1 is received. R1 indicates that thememory size is 4 GB instead of 2 GB. The value for the memory size asindicated by revision R1 (4 GB) does not match the current value for thememory size (2 GB). Task T, for procuring memories, is included as acompensation task for revision R1. Before the compensation task T, forrevision R1, is begun, a second revision R2 is received. Revision R2indicates that the memory size is 2 GB, as originally ordered. The valuefor the memory size as indicated by Revision R2 (2 GB) matches thecurrent value for the memory size (2 GB). Thus, the compensation task Tis not carried over into the modified set of compensation tasks forRevision R2. The compensation task T is not carried over, even thoughthe value for the memory size as indicated by revision R1 (4 GB) doesnot match the current value for the memory size (2 GB).

3.2 Add Compensations Tasks to the Modified Set of Compensation Tasks

FIG. 4 illustrates an example set of operations for adding compensationtasks into a modified set of compensation tasks, for a current revision.As described above, the current revision has been received while theprior revision was in-progress. That means, at least one compensationtask for the prior revision has been determined but has not beencompleted. One or more operations illustrated in FIG. 4 may be modified,rearranged, or omitted all together. Accordingly, the particularsequence of operations illustrated in FIG. 4 should not be construed aslimiting the scope of one or more embodiments.

In one or more embodiments, operations for determining compensationtasks to be added into the modified set of compensation tasks aresimilar to the example operations for determining compensation tasksassociated with a revision as described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/315,692, filed Dec. 9, 2011, titled, “ORDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMWITH ORDER CHANGE MANAGEMENT,” which is hereby incorporated byreference. For the purposes of clarity and explanation, some exampleembodiments are described below.

Initially, a first set of tasks and/or compensation tasks that havealready been completed is identified. The values of order attributesused by the first set of tasks and/or compensation tasks are alsoidentified (Operation 402). The state of each tasks and/or compensationtasks, for the particular order, are identified. The tasks and/orcompensation tasks associated with a completed state are identified inthe first set.

In an example, tasks T1, T2, and T3 are identified for an order O. Aftertasks T1 and T2 are completed, and before task T3 has begun, a firstrevision R1 is received. Tasks T1 and T2 are identified as compensationtasks for revision R1. After compensation task T1 has completed andbefore compensation task T2 has begun, a second revision R2 is received.Task T2 and compensation task T1 are in completed states and included inthe first set. The values of order attributes indicated by order O wereused by task T2. The values of order attributes indicated by revision R1were used by compensation task T1.

In one or more embodiments, a second set of candidate tasks to becompleted for the current revision is identified. The values of orderattributes to be used by the second set of candidate tasks are alsoidentified (Operation 404). The second set of candidate tasks are thetasks that would be determined for the current revision if the currentrevision were a new base order. The tasks are determined based on amapping between order attributes associated with the current revisionand available tasks. The values of order attributes to be used areindicated by the current revision.

In one or more embodiments, a per-task comparison is made between thefirst set, identified at Operation 402, and the second set, identifiedOperation 404. Each task in the first set is compared to each task inthe second set. Values of order attributes used by a task in the firstset are compared to values of order attributes used by the task in thesecond set. At least the following results, referred to herein as ResultA, Result B, Result C, and Result D, may be determined based on eachcomparison, as explained below.

In one or more embodiments, Result A is determined based on the per-taskcomparison, for a particular task in the first set and/or the secondset. Result A refers to a determination that the particular task is notincluded in the first set but is included in the second set (Operation406). In an example, a first revision R1 to an in-flight order requeststelephone services. A compensation task T1 for revision R1 is determinedto be provisioning telephone services. After compensation task T1 iscompleted, and before at least one other of the compensation tasks forrevision R1 has completed, a second revision R2 is received. Revision R2requests Internet services in addition to telephone services. Candidatetasks are determined for revision R2, as if revision R2 were a new baseorder. A candidate task T2 for revision R2 is determined to beprovisioning Internet services. (Task T1 is also a candidate task forrevision R2.) Task T2 is determined to be not included in the first setof tasks and/or compensation tasks that have been completed but isincluded in the second set of candidate tasks to be completed forrevision R2. Therefore, Result A is found for task T2.

In one or more embodiments, based on Result A, the particular task isadded to the modified set of compensation tasks for the current revision(Operation 408). Continuing the example above, task T2, for provisioningInternet services, is added to the modified set of compensation tasksfor the current revision.

In one or more embodiments, a DO or AMEND DO execution mode is selectedfor the particular compensation task added at Operation 408 (Operation410). Since the particular compensation task needs to be done, and hasnot been done before, a DO or AMEND DO execution mode applies. If noother compensation tasks depend on a compensation task that is beingadded, a DO execution mode is selected for the compensation task that isbeing added. The newly added compensation task may be executed after allother compensation tasks are completed, and the order resumes a normalstate. On the other hand, if at least one other compensation taskdepends on a compensation task that is being added, and the compensationtask that is being added needs to be performed while the order is in anamending state, then an AMEND DO execution mode is selected for thecompensation task that is being added.

In one or more embodiments, Result B is determined based on the per-taskcomparison, for a particular task in the first set and/or the secondset. Result B refers to a determination that the particular task isincluded in the first set but is not included in the second set(Operation 412). In an example, a first revision R1 to an in-flightorder requests telephone services. A compensation task T1 for revisionR1 is determined to be provisioning telephone services. Aftercompensation task T1 is completed, and before at least one other of thecompensation tasks for revision R1 has completed, a second revision R2is received. Revision R2 requests Internet services instead of telephoneservices. Candidate tasks are determined for revision R2, as if revisionR2 were a new base order. Task T1 is not a candidate task for revisionR2. Task T1 is determined to be included in the first set of tasksand/or compensation tasks that have been completed but is not includedin the second set of candidate tasks to be completed for revision R2.Therefore, Result B is found for task T1.

In one or more embodiments, based on Result B, the particular task isadded to the modified set of compensation tasks for the current revision(Operation 414). Continuing the example above, task T1, for provisioningtelephone services, is added to the modified set of compensation tasksfor the current revision.

In one or more embodiments, an UNDO execution mode is selected for theparticular compensation task added at Operation 414 (Operation 416).Since the particular compensation task was previously done, but nolonger needs to be done, an UNDO execution mode applies. Continuing theexample above, task T1, for provisioning telephone services, is set toan UNDO execution mode, due to the cancellation of telephone servicesindicated by revision R2.

In one or more embodiments, Result C is determined based on the per-taskcomparison, for a particular task in the first set and/or the secondset. Result C refers to a determination that the particular task isincluded in both the first set and the second set, but the values oforder attributes associated with the particular task in the first setare different from the values of order attributes associated with theparticular task in the second set (Operation 418). In an example, afirst revision R1 to an in-flight order requests Internet services at acapacity of 20 Mbps. A compensation task T1 for revision R1 isdetermined to be verifying the availability of the requested capacity.After compensation task T1 is completed using the value of 20 Mbps, andbefore at least one other of the compensation tasks for revision R1 hascompleted, a second revision R2 is received. Revision R2 requestsInternet services at a capacity of 30 Mbps (instead of 20 Mbps).Candidate tasks are determined for revision R2, as if revision R2 were anew base order. Task T1 is a candidate task for revision R2. Task T1 isto be executed using the value of 30 Mbps, as indicated by revision R2.Task T1 is determined to be included in both the first set of tasksand/or compensation tasks that have been completed and the second set ofcandidate tasks to be completed for revision R2. However, the requestedcapacity used by task T1 in the first set is 20 Mbps, while therequested capacity to be used by task T1 in the second set is 30 Mbps.Therefore, Result C is found for task T1.

In one or more embodiments, based on Result C, the particular task isadded to the modified set of compensation tasks for the current revision(Operation 420). Continuing the example above, task T1, for verifyingthe availability of the requested capacity, is added to the modified setof compensation tasks for revision R2.

In one or more embodiments, a REDO execution mode is selected for theparticular compensation task added at Operation 420 (Operation 422).Since the particular compensation task was previously done using a firstvalue for a particular order attribute, but needs to be done again usinga second value for the particular order attribute, a REDO execution modeapplies. Continuing the example above, task T1 is set to a REDOexecution mode. Task T1 is to be executed using 30 Mbps, as indicated byrevision R2.

Alternatively, UNDO and DO execution modes may be selected for theparticular compensation task added at Operation 420, since, aspreviously explained, REDO performs UNDO and DO in a single operation.Using the example above again, task T1 may be included twice in themodified set of compensation tasks for revision R2. The first instanceof task T1 may be set to an UNDO execution mode. The task of verifyingthe availability of 20 Mbps, as indicated by revision R1, is undone. Thesecond instance of task T1 may be set to a DO execution mode. The taskof verifying the availability of 30 Mbps, as indicated by revision R2,is done.

In one or more embodiments, Result D is determined based on the per-taskcomparison, for a particular task in the first set and/or the secondset. Result D refers to a determination that a particular task isincluded in both the first set and the second set, and values of orderattributes associated with the particular task in the first set are thesame as the values of order attributes associated with the particulartask in the second set (Operation 424). In an example, a first revisionR1 to an in-flight order requests Internet services at a capacity of 20Mbps and telephone services. A compensation task T1 for revision R1 isdetermined to be verifying the availability of the requested capacity ofInternet services. Another compensation task T2 for revision R1 isdetermined to be provisioning telephone services. After compensationtasks T1 and T2 are completed, and before at least one other of thecompensation tasks for revision R1 has completed, a second revision R2is received. Revision R2 requests Internet services at a capacity of 30Mbps (instead of 20 Mbps) and telephone services. Candidate tasks aredetermined for revision R2, as if revision R2 were a new base order.Tasks T1 and T2 are candidate tasks for revision R2. Therefore, tasks T1and T2 are included in both the first set and the second set. Meanwhile,different requested capacities are associated with task T1 in the firstset and the second set. However, the same values of order attributes areassociated with task T2 in the first set and the second set. Therefore,Result D is found for task T2 (and Result C is found for task T1).

In one or more embodiments, based on Result D, the particularcompensation task is not added to the modified set of compensation tasksfor the current revision (Operation 426). Continuing the example above,task T2 is not added to the modified set of compensation tasks forrevision R2.

4. Miscellaneous; Extensions

Embodiments are directed to a system with one or more devices thatinclude a hardware processor and that are configured to perform any ofthe operations described herein and/or recited in any of the claimsbelow.

In an embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable storage mediumcomprises instructions which, when executed by one or more hardwareprocessors, causes performance of any of the operations described hereinand/or recited in any of the claims.

Any combination of the features and functionalities described herein maybe used in accordance with one or more embodiments. In the foregoingspecification, embodiments have been described with reference tonumerous specific details that may vary from implementation toimplementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The soleand exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention, and what isintended by the applicants to be the scope of the invention, is theliteral and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from thisapplication, in the specific form in which such claims issue, includingany subsequent correction.

5. Hardware Overview

According to one embodiment, the techniques described herein areimplemented by one or more special-purpose computing devices. Thespecial-purpose computing devices may be hard-wired to perform thetechniques, or may include digital electronic devices such as one ormore application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs) that are persistently programmed toperform the techniques, or may include one or more general purposehardware processors programmed to perform the techniques pursuant toprogram instructions in firmware, memory, other storage, or acombination. Such special-purpose computing devices may also combinecustom hard-wired logic, ASICs, or FPGAs with custom programming toaccomplish the techniques. The special-purpose computing devices may bedesktop computer systems, portable computer systems, handheld devices,networking devices or any other device that incorporates hard-wiredand/or program logic to implement the techniques.

For example, FIG. 5 is a block diagram that illustrates a computersystem 500 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented.Computer system 500 includes a bus 502 or other communication mechanismfor communicating information, and a hardware processor 504 coupled withbus 502 for processing information. Hardware processor 504 may be, forexample, a general purpose microprocessor.

Computer system 500 also includes a main memory 506, such as a randomaccess memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 502for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor504. Main memory 506 also may be used for storing temporary variables orother intermediate information during execution of instructions to beexecuted by processor 504. Such instructions, when stored innon-transitory storage media accessible to processor 504, rendercomputer system 500 into a special-purpose machine that is customized toperform the operations specified in the instructions.

Computer system 500 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 508 orother static storage device coupled to bus 502 for storing staticinformation and instructions for processor 504. A storage device 510,such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to bus502 for storing information and instructions.

Computer system 500 may be coupled via bus 502 to a display 512, such asa cathode ray tube (CRT), for displaying information to a computer user.An input device 514, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupledto bus 502 for communicating information and command selections toprocessor 504. Another type of user input device is cursor control 516,such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicatingdirection information and command selections to processor 504 and forcontrolling cursor movement on display 512. This input device typicallyhas two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and asecond axis (e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in aplane.

Computer system 500 may implement the techniques described herein usingcustomized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and/orprogram logic which in combination with the computer system causes orprograms computer system 500 to be a special-purpose machine. Accordingto one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computersystem 500 in response to processor 504 executing one or more sequencesof one or more instructions contained in main memory 506. Suchinstructions may be read into main memory 506 from another storagemedium, such as storage device 510. Execution of the sequences ofinstructions contained in main memory 506 causes processor 504 toperform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination withsoftware instructions.

The term “storage media” as used herein refers to any non-transitorymedia that store data and/or instructions that cause a machine tooperation in a specific fashion. Such storage media may comprisenon-volatile media and/or volatile media. Non-volatile media includes,for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 510.Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 506. Commonforms of storage media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexibledisk, hard disk, solid state drive, magnetic tape, or any other magneticdata storage medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical data storage medium,any physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, aFLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip or cartridge.

Storage media is distinct from but may be used in conjunction withtransmission media. Transmission media participates in transferringinformation between storage media. For example, transmission mediaincludes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including thewires that comprise bus 502. Transmission media can also take the formof acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-waveand infra-red data communications.

Various forms of media may be involved in carrying one or more sequencesof one or more instructions to processor 504 for execution. For example,the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk or solidstate drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load theinstructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over atelephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 500 canreceive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitterto convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector canreceive the data carried in the infra-red signal and appropriatecircuitry can place the data on bus 502. Bus 502 carries the data tomain memory 506, from which processor 504 retrieves and executes theinstructions. The instructions received by main memory 506 mayoptionally be stored on storage device 510 either before or afterexecution by processor 504.

Computer system 500 also includes a communication interface 518 coupledto bus 502. Communication interface 518 provides a two-way datacommunication coupling to a network link 520 that is connected to alocal network 522. For example, communication interface 518 may be anintegrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellitemodem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to acorresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communicationinterface 518 may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a datacommunication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also beimplemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 518sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals thatcarry digital data streams representing various types of information.

Network link 520 typically provides data communication through one ormore networks to other data devices. For example, network link 520 mayprovide a connection through local network 522 to a host computer 524 orto data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 526.ISP 526 in turn provides data communication services through the worldwide packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the“Internet” 528. Local network 522 and Internet 528 both use electrical,electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. Thesignals through the various networks and the signals on network link 520and through communication interface 518, which carry the digital data toand from computer system 500, are example forms of transmission media.

Computer system 500 can send messages and receive data, includingprogram code, through the network(s), network link 520 and communicationinterface 518. In the Internet example, a server 530 might transmit arequested code for an application program through Internet 528, ISP 526,local network 522 and communication interface 518.

The received code may be executed by processor 504 as it is received,and/or stored in storage device 510, or other non-volatile storage forlater execution.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have beendescribed with reference to numerous specific details that may vary fromimplementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are,accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention,and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the invention,is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue fromthis application, in the specific form in which such claims issue,including any subsequent correction.

What is claimed is:
 1. One or more non-transitory machine-readable mediastoring instructions which, when executed by one or more processors,cause: storing, by an order management system, a first orchestrationplan comprising a first plurality of compensation tasks associated witha first revision of an order, wherein the order is associated with a setof order attributes; wherein the first orchestration plan comprises afirst metadata-driven executable orchestration process that comprises atleast the first plurality of compensation tasks for fulfilling theorder; wherein the first orchestration plan manages fulfillment of theorder by one or more fulfillment providers that interface with the ordermanagement system using a computer network; subsequent to completing afirst subset of compensation tasks in the first plurality ofcompensation tasks and prior to completing a second subset ofcompensation tasks in the first plurality of compensation tasks,electronically receiving a request for a second revision of the order;suspending the first orchestration plan; generating a secondorchestration plan comprising a second plurality of compensation tasksassociated with the second revision of the order, wherein generating thesecond orchestration plan comprises: determining a particular set oftasks based on the second revision of the order; responsive todetermining that a particular order attribute is used by at least afirst compensation task of the first subset of compensation tasks and isnot used by the particular set of tasks: adding the first compensationtask into the second plurality of compensation tasks; wherein the secondorchestration plan comprises a second metadata-driven executableorchestration process that comprises at least the second plurality ofcompensation tasks for fulfilling the order; wherein the secondorchestration plan manages fulfillment of the order by the one or morefulfillment providers that interface with the order management systemusing the computer network; and executing the second orchestration planat least by transmitting a command from the order management system tothe one or more fulfillment providers via the computer network.
 2. Theone or more media of claim 1, wherein the second plurality ofcompensation tasks is completed instead of the second subset ofcompensation tasks.
 3. The one or more media of claim 1, further storinginstructions, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause:further responsive to determining that the particular order attribute isnot used by the first subset of compensation tasks and is used by thefirst task of the particular set of tasks: selecting an UNDO executionmode for the first compensation task.
 4. The one or more media of claim1, wherein generating the second orchestration plan further comprises:responsive to determining that (a) another order attribute is used by atleast a second compensation task of the first subset of compensationtasks and is used by at least a first task of the particular set oftasks and (b) values to be configured for the another order attribute asindicated by the second compensation task and the first task are same:refraining from including the second compensation task or the first taskin the second plurality of compensation tasks.
 5. The one or more mediaof claim 1, wherein generating the second orchestration plan furthercomprises: responsive to determining that another order attribute is notused by the first subset of compensation tasks and is used by at least afirst task of the particular set of tasks: adding the first task as acompensation task into the second plurality of compensation tasks. 6.The medium of claim 1, further storing instructions, which when executedby the one or more processors, cause: subsequent to electronicallyreceiving the request for the second revision of the order: waiting fora particular period of time for any in-progress compensation tasks, inthe first plurality of compensation tasks, to reach a completed state oran initial state, prior to suspending the first orchestration plan. 7.The one or more media of claim 1, wherein the particular order attributeis not used by the second subset of compensation tasks.
 8. The one ormore media of claim 1, wherein the order comprises a customer order fortelecommunications services.
 9. The one or more media of claim 1,wherein the second plurality of compensation tasks comprises at leastone of: provisioning telephone services; activating or deactivating avoicemail feature to the telephone services; verifying a data connectionon a telephone line; verifying Internet services at a particularcapacity are available; provision the Internet services at theparticular capacity; assigning a particular port to a customer; andprovisioning television services at a particular level.
 10. A method,comprising: storing, by an order management system, a firstorchestration plan comprising a first plurality of compensation tasksassociated with a first revision of an order, wherein the order isassociated with a set of order attributes; wherein the firstorchestration plan comprises a first metadata-driven executableorchestration process that comprises at least the first plurality ofcompensation tasks for fulfilling the order; wherein the firstorchestration plan manages fulfillment of the order by one or morefulfillment providers that interface with the order management systemusing a computer network; subsequent to completing a first subset ofcompensation tasks in the first plurality of compensation tasks andprior to completing a second subset of compensation tasks in the firstplurality of compensation tasks, electronically receiving a request fora second revision of the order; suspending the first orchestration plan;generating a second orchestration plan comprising a second plurality ofcompensation tasks associated with the second revision of the order,wherein generating the second orchestration plan comprises: determininga particular set of tasks based on the second revision of the order;responsive to determining that a particular order attribute is used byat least a first compensation task of the first subset of compensationtasks and is not used by the particular set of tasks: adding the firstcompensation task into the second plurality of compensation tasks;wherein the second orchestration plan comprises a second metadata-drivenexecutable orchestration process that comprises at least the secondplurality of compensation tasks for fulfilling the order; wherein thesecond orchestration plan manages fulfillment of the order by the one ormore fulfillment providers that interface with the order managementsystem using the computer network; and executing the secondorchestration plan at least by transmitting a command from the ordermanagement system to the one or more fulfillment providers via thecomputer network; wherein the method is performed by one or moredevices, each including at least one hardware processor.
 11. The methodof claim 10, wherein the second plurality of compensation tasks iscompleted instead of the second subset of compensation tasks.
 12. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising: further responsive todetermining that the particular order attribute is not used by the firstsubset of compensation tasks and is used by the first task of theparticular set of tasks: selecting an UNDO execution mode for the firstcompensation task.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein generating thesecond orchestration plan further comprises: responsive to determiningthat (a) another order attribute is used by at least a secondcompensation task of the first subset of compensation tasks and is usedby at least a first task of the particular set of tasks and (b) valuesto be configured for the another order attribute as indicated by thesecond compensation task and the first task are same: refraining fromincluding the second compensation task or the first task in the secondplurality of compensation tasks.
 14. The method of claim 10, whereingenerating the second orchestration plan further comprises: responsiveto determining that another order attribute is not used by the firstsubset of compensation tasks and is used by at least a first task of theparticular set of tasks: adding the first task as a compensation taskinto the second plurality of compensation tasks.
 15. The method of claim10, further storing instructions, which when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause: subsequent to electronically receiving the requestfor the second revision of the order: waiting for a particular period oftime for any in-progress compensation tasks, in the first plurality ofcompensation tasks, to reach a completed state or an initial state,prior to suspending the first orchestration plan.
 16. A system,comprising: one or more devices, each including at least one hardwareprocessor; the system being configured to perform operations comprising:storing, by an order management system, a first orchestration plancomprising a first plurality of compensation tasks associated with afirst revision of an order, wherein the order is associated with a setof order attributes; wherein the first orchestration plan comprises afirst metadata-driven executable orchestration process that comprises atleast the first plurality of compensation tasks for fulfilling theorder; wherein the first orchestration plan manages fulfillment of theorder by one or more fulfillment providers that interface with the ordermanagement system using a computer network; subsequent to completing afirst subset of compensation tasks in the first plurality ofcompensation tasks and prior to completing a second subset ofcompensation tasks in the first plurality of compensation tasks,electronically receiving a request for a second revision of the order;suspending the first orchestration plan; generating a secondorchestration plan comprising a second plurality of compensation tasksassociated with the second revision of the order, wherein generating thesecond orchestration plan comprises: determining a particular set oftasks based on the second revision of the order; responsive todetermining that a particular order attribute is used by at least afirst compensation task of the first subset of compensation tasks and isnot used by the particular set of tasks: adding the first compensationtask into the second plurality of compensation tasks; wherein the secondorchestration plan comprises a second metadata-driven executableorchestration process that comprises at least the second plurality ofcompensation tasks for fulfilling the order; wherein the secondorchestration plan manages fulfillment of the order by the one or morefulfillment providers that interface with the order management systemusing the computer network; and executing the second orchestration planat least by transmitting a command from the order management system tothe one or more fulfillment providers via the computer network.
 17. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein the second plurality of compensation tasksis completed instead of the second subset of compensation tasks.
 18. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein the operations further comprise: furtherresponsive to determining that the particular order attribute is notused by the first subset of compensation tasks and is used by the firsttask of the particular set of tasks: selecting an UNDO execution modefor the first compensation task.
 19. The system of claim 16, whereingenerating the second orchestration plan further comprises: responsiveto determining that (a) another order attribute is used by at least asecond compensation task of the first subset of compensation tasks andis used by at least a first task of the particular set of tasks and (b)values to be configured for the another order attribute as indicated bythe second compensation task and the first task are same: refrainingfrom including the second compensation task or the first task in thesecond plurality of compensation tasks.
 20. The system of claim 10,wherein generating the second orchestration plan further comprises:responsive to determining that another order attribute is not used bythe first subset of compensation tasks and is used by at least a firsttask of the particular set of tasks: adding the first task as acompensation task into the second plurality of compensation tasks.